Al Beeko charts comeback path
IN 1989, Trelawny native ‘Falcon’, later known as ‘Al Beeko’, showed great potential when he copped the Red Label Reggae Cable deejay competition which was hosted by Basil ‘Bagga’ Brown, now deceased, at the House of Leo in Kingston.
So impressive was his showing that in addition to his first prize, he was given $100.00 apiece by King Yellow Man and King Sounds.
In fact, Al Beeko, who was 17-year-old at the time, recounted that among those whom he triumphed over were Lady Patra and Capleton, who were relegated to second and third places, respectively, but who have since shot to stardom, while he faded into oblivion.
But, Al Beeko, whose given name is Donald Easy, who left Jamaica over a decade ago to take up residence in Bronx, New York, remained undaunted and has been plotting his comeback.
The veteran artiste who now produces Sandy Star and I Wahna on his Fox Master Record Label, says he has learned to play musical instruments and studio engineering, in an effort to enhance his ability to ‘push out’ first rate music.
“We built our own studio which is the Fox Master Record Label so that we can learn the music because many times our music don’t sell the right and proper way because it is not built the right and proper way. That’s why I am going to music school now to learn the proper progression and everything like that,” he told the Jamaica Observer West.
He noted that he is steadily recording conscious songs to inspire the masses.
“I think I have found the right route. It’s just consciousness and seeing music as something people should listen. I think that’s where I come in, it is not about money, it is about representing what we think is right for our people and keeping the reggae music established all over the world,” Al Beeko explained.